Courtney Nicole Photography

So, as promised, I will be spotlighting some of my favorite vendors and people that I find inspiring. For my first spotlight, I chose an up and coming photographer whose photographs are incredibly awe inspiring (especially considering she’s just starting out). This little lady, a local photographer by the name of Courtney Stermer is both an amazing photographer and an incredibly inspiring young woman. To learn more about what makes her unique, see below:

How did you get started taking pictures?
I don’t really remember the moment that I decided to start taking pictures seriously. I just remember thinking I wanted a camera, really bad. I wanted to have some kind of creative outlet outside of school and work. The rest just happened and it’s all a blur, but a good blur.

What do you love most about being a photographer?Least?
What I love most about photography is having something I’m so in love with and I can control it- I control how much I learn, how much I shoot, and how serious I get with the business side of things.
What I don’t like so much is the sun straight overhead (shadows!) and ants- ants are relentless right now. Oh and also not having enough weekends in a month to schedule sessions!

What do you hope people get from your pictures?
My biggest hope when it comes to my photography is that people see themselves in a different light- their beauty and their personality from the other side. I’d like to get to the point where other people just think ‘Wow..’ I’m not there yet, but that’s my plan.

Who are you inspired by?
I had not read the next question! Ha! I’m inspired by a young photographer/business woman/entrepreneur, Alex Beadon. She does the sort of portraits I want to work towards and shares so much of her knowledge. Selfless and creative and so smart.

Do you have a philosophy that you live by or run your business by?
I have so many philosophies that I live and work by with this business. I am constantly reading inspiration and taking it to heart. One of these is “You will always be too much of something for someone. Too big. Too loud. Too Soft. Too Edgy. If you round out your edges, you lose your edge. Apologize for mistakes, apologize for unintentionally hurting someone–profusely. But don’t apologize for being who you are.” – Danielle LaPorte

I can’t wait for the opportunity to work with someone who has such a passion for what she does!

For those of you who are looking for a photographer with a little something different who will give you extraordinary photos, go to CourtneyNicolePhotography.com or check out her Facebook page. Get inspired by beautiful photographs done by a beautiful, kind, creative and utterly inspirational woman.